Coghlan surname history

Two original Irish versions of Coughlan (and its variants (O')Coghlan, Coglin and Cohalan) exist, O Cochlain and Mac Cochlain, both derived from cochal, meaning "cloak" or "hood". The Mac Cochlain were part of the great tribal grouping of the Dal gCais, claiming descent from the semi-mythical Cas, which also produced the O'Briens and the McNamaras. Their territory was in the present Co. Offaly, near the modern town of Banagher. They retained a large measure of their influence even after the seventeenth century, with Members of parliament of the name in 1689 and 1790. As recently as the early nineteenth century the family are recorded as landlords in the area. Shale (Coughlan) in Killoscully parish in Co. Tipperary, near the Offaly border, records their name.

Co. Cork was the homeland of the O Cochlain, where the name appears to have arisen in more than one area, with mention of the name in the Blackwater valley region and in a territory near the modern town of Mallow. The strongest historical association of the name in Cork, however, is with the baronies of East and West Carbury, and Barrymore, and particularly with the Schull-Kilmore district of West Cork. The name is now common throughout west Cork. Interestingly, the surname tends to be pronounced differently in different areas of Co. Cork, as "Cocklin" in the west and "Cawlin" in the east.

Eugene ("Eudie"). Coughlan (1900 - ) is one of Cork?s most famous hurlers, having won All-Ireland medals in 1919, 1926, 1928, 1929 and 1931. In 1985 he won an All-Time All-Star award.

Eamonn Coghlan (1952 - ) was the world?s top middle-distance indoor runner from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, setting 6 world indoor records and winning the World Championship 5000 metres in 1983. In 1994 he was the first athlete over 40 ever to run a mile in under 4 minutes.